The 2014 Mazda6 competes in that overfilled segment of the auto industry known as the midsize sedan. But it stands out as something slightly different, with a bit more character.
(All photos by Michael Taylor)

The 2014 Mazda6 competes in that overfilled segment of the auto industry known as the midsize sedan. But it stands out as something slightly different, with a bit more character.
(All photos by Michael Taylor)

The 2014 Mazda6 competes in that overfilled segment of the auto... Photo-4974963.67193 - StamfordAdvocate

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This year, the Mazda6, which has been around for 10 years, has a new look, with its cateye headlights and its complementary taillights. The car looks taut and whether that's a good thing is clearly in the eye of the beholder. less

This year, the Mazda6, which has been around for 10 years, has a new look, with its cateye headlights and its complementary taillights. The car looks taut and whether that's a good thing is clearly in the eye ... more

This year, the Mazda6, which has been around for 10 years, has a... Photo-4974964.67193 - StamfordAdvocate

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Mazda’s latest technology drive is called Skyactiv and in its simplest form it means making the car better by cutting weight and improving the engine’s efficiency.

Mazda’s latest technology drive is called Skyactiv and in its simplest form it means making the car better by cutting weight and improving the engine’s efficiency.

Mazda’s latest technology drive is called Skyactiv and in its... Photo-4974965.67193 - StamfordAdvocate

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One of the attributes of Mazda's so-called Skyactiv technology is to give it a fairly good EPA rating of 26/38 mpg, city/highway, out of a 2.5-liter, 184-horsepower engine.

One of the attributes of Mazda's so-called Skyactiv technology is to give it a fairly good EPA rating of 26/38 mpg, city/highway, out of a 2.5-liter, 184-horsepower engine.

One of the attributes of Mazda's so-called Skyactiv technology... Photo-4974966.67193 - StamfordAdvocate

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Taboola Gallery Frame Item-85307.67193 - StamfordAdvocate

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The car we tested was the Mazda6 Grand Touring sedan, which topped out at $31,490. The Mazda6 line starts, however, at about $21,000, competitive with all those other midsize sedans, and works its way up the price ladder, trim level by trim level. less

The car we tested was the Mazda6 Grand Touring sedan, which topped out at $31,490. The Mazda6 line starts, however, at about $21,000, competitive with all those other midsize sedans, and works its way up the ... more

The car we tested was the Mazda6 Grand Touring sedan, which topped... Photo-4974967.67193 - StamfordAdvocate

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Inside, Mazda has done up a serviceable, if not outright luxurious interior, with all the instruments clear and readable in their normal places. The navigation system is provided by TomTom.

Inside, Mazda has done up a serviceable, if not outright luxurious interior, with all the instruments clear and readable in their normal places. The navigation system is provided by TomTom.

Inside, Mazda has done up a serviceable, if not outright luxurious... Photo-4974968.67193 - StamfordAdvocate

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The navigation system's screen doubles as a rear-view camera when you put the Mazda6 in reverse.

The navigation system's screen doubles as a rear-view camera when you put the Mazda6 in reverse.